Franco Smith lures London Irish wing to Glasgow

TRANSFER NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have confirmed Logan Trotter has joined the franchise after spending last season with London Irish.

A former member of Glasgow's academy contingent, the 24-year-old returns to Scotstoun after a six-month spell with Irish, making seven appearances for the Brentford-based club across the 2022/23 campaign.

Comfortable both on the wing and at fullback, the Harrogate-born Trotter's displays had seen him invited to train with the Warriors in 2021 and 2022, playing against Newcastle Falcons in The Famous Grouse Pre-Season Friendly at Scotstoun in September 2021.

Having represented Stirling County from the age of five, Trotter made his senior debut for the Bridgehaugh side aged 18.

His form in a Stirling shirt saw him selected for Scotland U20 in both 2017 and 2018, representing his country alongside future Glasgow teammates including Stafford McDowall and Ross Thompson.

Trotter was also invited to train with Scotland Sevens in 2021, and follows fellow former Scotland Under-20, Sevens and London Irish teammate Kyle Rowe in joining the Warriors ahead of the new campaign.

"I'm over the moon to be coming home," the wing told glasgowwarriors.org.

"It's not a move I thought I'd be making this soon, so I'm absolutely delighted to sign for a club that means a lot to me.

"I love getting stuck in - I don't like to just stand about waiting for something to happen! I like to go and get my hands on the ball, and I can't wait to be out there and get involved.

"The move to London Irish came at a great time for my development, I'd say. There was a great group of boys and a great group of coaches that really helped me identify areas of my game to improve and opened up my eyes to a new way of playing and enjoying my rugby. I'm looking forward to continuing that at Glasgow.

"I've kept track of Glasgow wherever I've been, and the freedom with which the team plays is something I really love. Coming off a season as successful as last year, I want to help this group take the next step.

"I can't wait to get stuck in, honestly."

Head Coach Franco Smith added: "Logan is someone who we've been watching for a while - we were impressed by what we saw when he was with us during pre-season last year, and he has been a standout for Stirling Wolves in the Super Series over the last couple of seasons.

"He also showed he was more than comfortable at the professional level during his time at London Irish, and he's someone who is clearly hungry to succeed at the highest level.

"We look forward to working with him over the next couple of seasons and helping him continue his development at Scotstoun."